Rules and Regulations

From here on, the Mower Racing New South Wales Association Inc. will be known as MRNSWA. MRNSWA is a ride-on lawn mower racing club that conducts motorsports.

MOTORSPORTS ARE DANGEROUS and can be destructive. Competitors participate at their own risk.

SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT for everyone involved. Competitors, Pit Crews, Organisers, Volunteers and Spectators.

Precautions will be in place, but ultimately, it is up to the competitors involved. Participants found to be endangering others will be disqualified.

Classification and build specifications form part of the rules and regulations. MRNSWA will recognise two classes: Class 1, known as STANDARD, and Class 2, known as OUTLAW.

CLASS 1 STANDARD Mowers

This class is for ride-on lawnmowers, which have an engine manufactured initially for lawnmowers up to 32 HP single or twin cylinders.
Engines must have NO internal performance modifications. It must NOT have forced induction.
No Motorcycle engines permitted.
External modifications such as billeted flywheel and Carburettor swaps are permitted. Only a carby from a ride-on mower (one carby off, one carby on). No twin carbies unless factory-fitted. No performance carbies like motorbike and flat side carbies.
The exhaust is free to design whilst remaining at acceptable noise levels. (Maximum limit of 95db)
Standard safety equipment as specified for all other classes must be adhered to, e.g., emergency lanyard stop switch, brakes that work efficiently (e.g., Must lock rear wheels), auto return throttle, etc.
It is recommended that the mower should be lowered for safety.
Exhausts are to be mounted as high to the body as possible.
The driver's seat may be lowered only by bolting it directly to the chassis. Cutting it into the chassis is NOT permitted.
The front cross member must be fixed to stop lateral movement. The castor and camber angle may be altered. To this end, it is recommended that a new cross member and kingpin arrangement be fabricated within the tolerances.
Where no running board is fitted as standard (e.g., Rover Rancher), a suitable running board with a Nerf bar must be equipped to prevent feet from becoming entangled with wheels

Mowers are to be readily recognised as a mower:

The mower will be recognised as a commercially available domestic ride-on lawn mower. Modifications to any body panels are permitted, although the original manufactured type materials must be used. For example, Mild steel must be replaced with mild steel, and plastic must be replaced with plastic. The bonnet is excluded.

Bonnets can be plastic, mild steel, or fibreglass but must still be recognised as commercially available domestic ride-on lawnmowers.

Engine specifications must accompany entry.

Unapproved Modifications for Class 1:

No motorbike engines, handlebars, or suspension are acceptable. There are no internal motor modifications, no forced induction of any type, and no performance carburettors, such as motorbikes or flat-side carbies. Only internal combustion engines naturally aspirated and carburetted/fuel injected, operated by any fuel permitted under the provisions of these Rules, will be allowed.

CLASS 2 OUTLAW Mowers

Outlaw chassis may be custom-built to your design but must still be based on standard ride-on mower dimensions.
No hybrid or commercially available racing chassis such as Dirt Go Karts, etc. Although they may be custom-built, they must have increased structural integrity and be deemed safe by suitably experienced scrutineers.
Special attention will be paid to the front, steering, and rear ends.
Must have a commercially available ride-on mower body, be recognisable, and look like a modified one: no go-kart fairings, wings, ground effects, or downforce add-ons.
Either belt-driven or centrifugal clutches are allowed. Go-kart rims, mags and aluminium rims are allowed.
Tyres must be treaded, no slicks. No stock steering allowed may have over-the-engine steering but must be modified to withstand the rigours of Outlaw speeds.
No handlebars.

Engines for OUTLAW:

Must be based on a commercially available standard type of mower engine, single or V-Twin up to 32hp and 1000cc. No Hybrids.
Performance modifications are allowed, but the original OEM block and heads must be used.
Modified combustion chambers, ports, valves, heads, compression ratios, lightning and balancing of components, race and re-profiled camshafts, billet con-rods and crankshafts are allowed.
Motorbike engines up to a maximum of 450cc and 60hp with no internal performance modifications are allowed.
Engine specifications must accompany the entry form.

General CLASS 1 and CLASS 2:

All participating mowers shall be fitted with a commercially available operational cut-off switch (this excludes homemade) and connected to the driver by means of a lanyard.
All cutting decks and their attachments must be removed.
Mowers must have an effective rear braking system that works on both wheels simultaneously and locks the rear wheels.
The maximum width of any mower shall be 1.2 metres at the widest point.
Chassis rails must be made of mild steel only, at a minimum of 50mm x 25mm x 2.5mm RHS. No laddered or trussed chassis are allowed.
One-piece rear axle, minimum 25mm diameter, and securely mounted to chassis. It must not protrude past the wheel.
Tyres that are fitted to any competition mower must comply with the following—

a) Any non-aggressive pattern tyres up to turf master tyres sold for lawnmower use are permitted.

b) Any tyres fitted with tractor-type lugs are not permitted.

c) No Racing Tyres.

Wheel rims shall be of steel or alloy only and be a one-piece or welded construction. No two-piece rims are permitted.
Footrests to have a non-slip surface. Side intrusion bars that extend up 100mm are to be fitted to protect your legs and feet. Extending to within 50mm of the rear wheel track width is recommended to ensure other mowers can’t interlock and roll you over.
Petroleum or gasoline products, commonly called super, unleaded, lead replacement and premium unleaded fuels, are permitted fuels (98 is the highest octane rating). NO alcohol, methanol, aviation, or LPG fuels will be allowed.
Every team shall have a fully charged and current fire extinguisher rated for the fuel type used in their mower or mowers in their equipment.

Clothing:

An approved Australian Standards Helmet and neck brace must always be worn by the driver on the track.
Every driver shall wear full-body-covering clothing: a Long-Sleeve shirt, long trousers, and sturdy enclosed footwear.
You must wear gloves.
Drivers should wear body armour or adequate padding in addition to clothing.
Every driver is responsible for ensuring that clothing is not fouled or caught in their mower's machinery, chains, belts, or moving parts. Guards must be fitted to prevent this.

RACE PROCEDURES

The following flag signals will be obeyed without question. Any driver failing to do so will be removed from that specific heat, and depending on severity, committee discretion may disallow further competition for that race meeting.

A GREEN flag, when dropped, shall start or restart a race.

A YELLOW flag held stationary indicates trouble ahead, and drivers shall immediately reduce their speed to walking pace and maintain their positions. Overtaking under these conditions is not permitted. Drivers cannot increase speed until they pass the next green flag.

A RED flag indicates that a dangerous condition exists, and drivers must stop immediately, turn off their engine, and when instructed make their way back to the pits.

A BLACK flag indicates a driver allegedly committed a serious breach of safety regulations. That is deemed to have driven recklessly or unsafe, continuously bumping or speeding in the pits. The driver must immediately pull to the middle of the track and take no further part in that race. The indicated driver may be disqualified from the event. The driver must report to the race controller.

A BLUE flag indicates overtaking is required, let the mower behind you pass.

A WHITE flag indicates one lap to go.

A CHEQUERED flag signifies race end.

Procedure for returning to the track:

If you leave the track during a race, you must turn and look for oncoming mowers before re-entering. If you are deemed not to re-enter safely, the result could be a black flag. Again, safety is our prime objective.

Procedures for Protest during a race:

Any driver wishing to protest any alleged incident or breach of race etiquette during the race must remain on their mower and not leave the track until the protest has been acknowledged or determined and the steward has instructed them to leave the track area.

Procedures for Breach of the Rules:

A report of or allegation of a breach of these Rules must be dealt with promptly and with consultation with each involved individual by the Clerk of the Course. This decision will be final. This can be any incident occurring either ON or OFF track.

Pit Area:

The safety of everyone in the pit area must be a priority for all.
Mowers will transverse the pit area at no more than idle speed.
Mowers must be stationary, and motors must be turned off before dismounting.
When refuelling, a fire extinguisher must be present.
No Smoking in the Pit Area; this will be a sectioned-off area.
The pit area is to be alcohol and drug-free.
The “Pit Crew” signed in with the driver’s indemnity will be the driver’s responsibility, and any indiscretions could result in a black flag for the driver.
All children under 12 years old must always have adult supervision.

Guidelines for Technical Inspections:

Safety for our Competitors, Marshalls, Volunteers, and Spectators is first and foremost during an inspection. The person or persons assigned the task of inspecting competition mowers should bear this in mind.
One person shall be selected as the Chief Technical Inspector, and he/she will be authorised to sign the approval to race. The chief Technical Inspector is not required to be qualified in small-bore engines. The inspection itself should include the mower, rider, and their equipment.
The Chief Technical Inspector has the final say.

Mowers must be approved for participation:

The Technical Inspector must first approve any mower. Any serious faults or safety issues will be noted, resulting in the inability to compete until rectified.
Matters of a non-serious nature, at scrutineer discretion, may be allowed to compete on said day and must have been remedied before the next race meeting.
Failure to comply with scrutineer instructions will result in riders not competing in further races until breaches have been rectified.
At any time deemed necessary, the technical inspector may require the driver to participate in a re-inspection of the mower before participation can continue.
The Technical Inspector may refuse any mower for unsafe or unstable construction.
Drivers and their mowers involved in an accident must be re-inspected in the pit area.
It is the responsibility of the driver to designate the engine type, size and event classification correctly.
The Chief Technical Inspector reserves the right to reject any mower, which, in their opinion, represents an attempt to defeat the spirit of these Rules, even though such mower complies with the letter in these Rules.

The Driver:

Driver equipment should include:

• Appropriate clothing

• Gloves

• Approved helmet-AS1698 and correctly fitted and fastens securely.

• Approved neck brace correctly fitted and fastened securely.

• Boots (footwear) of approved kind

• Correctly rated fire extinguisher in equipment

• Driver and crew completed indemnity documentation.

Mower Inspection:

The inspection should commence with the driver in full race gear with the mower.
A nominated pit crew will be in attendance, along with a regulation fire extinguisher.
The mower should be turned off.

Check- The Body for:

• Sharp edges and dangerous protrusions

• Secure panels

• Race number

• Bonnet catches operate properly.

• Seat is secure.

• No suspension

• Chassis complies.

Check the Mechanics for:

• Wheels approved construction.

• Bearings serviceable

• No tractor-type tread (lug tread pattern)

• Chain/belt guards in place and serviceable

• Engine securely mounted.

• No oil leaks.

• Exhaust fitted and secure.

• Petrol tank mounted correctly and securely.

• Petrol tank construction of an approved type

• Fuel is an approved fuel.

• Steering wheel mounted securely.

• The mower has an approved kill switch fitted and working.

• Battery is securely and safely mounted.

• Brakes are effective, but they must be able to lock rear wheels.

• Have the driver apply the brakes (while seated on the mower) and try to move the mower. Do the wheels turn?

• Have the driver start the engine; pull the lanyard (kill switch cord). Does the engine stop immediately?

WARNING LAWN MOWER RACING IS DANGEROUS.

RACING SHOULD ONLY BE DONE IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT WITH PROPER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

EVEN WITH SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN PLACE, THERE IS AN INHERENT DANGER AND SIGNIFICANT RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH INVOLVED WITH MOTORSPORTS.

ANYONE PARTICIPATING AND SPECTATING IN LAWN MOWER RACING ASSUMES THIS RISK.

THE MOWER RACING NEW SOUTH WALES ASSOCIATION INC. WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURIES OR DAMAGES TO EITHER PERSONS OR PROPERTY INCURRED FROM PARTICIPATING OR SPECTATING IN LAWN MOWER RACING ACTIVITIES.

THE PIT AREA AND TRACK AREA AT RACE EVENTS ARE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS.

SIGNED WAIVERS ARE REQUIRED FOR ANYONE ENTERING THE PIT OR TRACK AREA.

PLEASE BE ALERT TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION POSSIBLE.